West Side Vodka Cocktail
Courtesy Dushan Zaric, co-founder, Employees Only, New York City
This mint- and lemon-laced drink is an Employees Only variation of the classic South Side cocktail. “We replaced the gin with Meyer lemon-infused vodka to achieve a more balanced, subtler concoction,” says Zaric. “It is, by far, the most popular cocktail served at Employees Only, and lends itself naturally to being enjoyed in the sun.”
About the Vodka
Charbay Distillery is a 13th-generation distillery in St. Helena, in the heart of Napa’s wine country. This sunny, flavored vodka is infused with Meyer lemons from California, which are shredded and extracted at the distillery. Its bouquet is heavenly.
- 2 ounces Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 3–4 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- Splash of club soda
Add first 4 ingredients to cocktail shaker, and fill with ice. Shake well. Add splash of club soda. Strain into chilled, stemmed glass, like martini, coupe or wine glass. It can also be served over ice in rocks glass.
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